Kimberly

March 29, 2016March 27, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Beyond The Misty Shore by Vicki Hinze – Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Beyond The Misty Shore
SERIES #: Seascape Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: Vicki Hinze
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/14/11
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Whimsy. Serenity. And a Touch of Magic. The Seascape Inn.

Marketing executive Maggie Wright and artist T.J. MacGregor are linked by a mysterious car accident that killed Maggie’s cousin, Carolyn, T.J.’s fiancée. When Maggie arrives on the Maine coast determined to get answers from T.J., she discovers a tortured man who is bound to the Seascape Inn by supernatural forces. Despite the tragedy that stands between them, Maggie and T.J. begin to fall in love, seeking answers and a healing spirit they may never achieve.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 2011.
I want so badly to tell you about this book and why you should read it but there are not enough words to tell you how wonderful this book is. It is rare I give a book 5 stars but this book is most deserving. There is something magical about this book. It feels like a romance novel from years gone by even though it is set in the present. It makes you believe you are there and watching the love unfold instead of turning pages. Seascape Inn is a place you want to visit.

This book reads like a movie. Have you seen the movies “Somewhere In Time” or “The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan”? OK this is dating myself but then if you have not seen them you should. Anyway, this book has the feel of these timeless movies. The softness of love as it grows between the characters and the mystical spirit that is there to guide not haunt make this book worth the read. More than worth the read it is worth owning the book and never letting it go. Luckily this is the 1st in a trilogy and I can not wait to enjoy the other two books.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 28, 2016March 27, 2016

Kimberly reviews Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein by David Stuart Davies

TITLE: Sherlock Holmes And The Tangled Skein
CHARACTERS: Main Characters
AUTHOR: David Stuart Davies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the autumn of 1888, and following the successful conclusion of the investigation into the affair of the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson have returned safely from Dartmoor, convinced that their most recent nemesis has met a sticky ending.

But when a strange package arrives and turns out to be an attempt on Holmes’ life, the detective and Watson are faced with an even darker mystery.

A peculiar cat-and-mouse game involving a lethal murderer ensues and Miss Lydgate, a distressed young woman, arrives with a cryptic warning for Watson.

Things soon spiral rapidly out of control and Holmes calls on his local street urchins, The Baker Street Irregulars, to keep a keen eye out for information.

Professor Van Helsing is also in town, visiting the Royal Society to discuss the phenomenon of Vampires.

Holmes is disgusted and dismisses such talk as supernatural nonsense, insisting that ‘the cult of undead’ is outside the boundaries of rational science.

Inspector Lestrade, however, has bigger problems — there have been murders on Hampstead Heath and there is heightened talk of a strange phantom lady.

When the police force reach out to Holmes for help, both he and Watson decide to take matters into their own hands.

The chilling discovery that awaits them on the Heath leads them back to Devon and the bleak terrain of Dartmoor.

The nightmare that is the tangled skein is now in full force and time is running out.

Whilst investigating mysterious circumstances at a finishing school for aristocratic girls, they encounter the true embodiment of evil, Count Dracula, the Lord of the Undead …

The Tangled Skein is one of Sherlock Holmes’ most exciting and dangerous cases, peppered with elements of the supernatural.

REVIEW:
Sherlock Holmes vs Count Dracula. How could anyone pass this up? Well part of me wishes I had and yet I am glad I didn’t. Can you tell I am on the fence about this book?

Written originally in 1992 apparently this is a re-release. Any fan of SH should pick it up just to be sure they have read them all but don’t expect this SH to be what AC Doyle’s originally wrote.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 25, 2016March 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews No One Knows by J.T. Ellison

TITLE: No One Knows
CHARACTERS: Aubrey Hamilton
AUTHOR: J.T. Ellison
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In an obsessive mystery as thrilling as The Girl on the Train and The Husband’s Secret, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison will make you question every twist in her page-turning novel—and wonder which of her vividly drawn characters you should trust.

The day Aubrey Hamilton’s husband is declared dead by the state of Tennessee should bring closure so she can move on with her life. But Aubrey doesn’t want to move on; she wants Josh back. It’s been five years since he disappeared, since their blissfully happy marriage—they were happy, weren’t they?—screeched to a halt and Aubrey became the prime suspect in his disappearance. Five years of emptiness, solitude, loneliness, questions. Why didn’t Josh show up at his friend’s bachelor party? Was he murdered? Did he run away? And now, all this time later, who is the mysterious yet strangely familiar figure suddenly haunting her new life?

In No One Knows, the New York Times bestselling coauthor of the Nicholas Drummond series expertly peels back the layers of a complex woman who is hiding dark secrets beneath her unassuming exterior. This masterful thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn, Liane Moriarty, and Paula Hawkins will pull readers into a you’ll-never-guess merry-go-round of danger and deception. Round and round and round it goes, where it stops…no one knows.

REVIEW:
Everyone loves a good psychological thriller. Well if they don’t they should. And this would be a good one to pick up. Ellison takes us on a ride that thrilling and enjoying and yet has a bit of a twist.

I am a fan of books that I can’t figure out. While i spend my time trying to figure it out I love when it comes in and I got it wrong. But then again I like when I get it right too. The characters are really interesting and well formed. I enjoyed meeting them all.

This book will keep you thinking and those really are best kind.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 24, 2016March 20, 2016

#TBT Kelly reviews The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy – Catch up from the beginning

TITLE: The Accidental Werewolf
SERIES #: Accidentally #1
CHARACTERS: Keegan Flaherty & Marty Andrews
AUTHOR: Dakota Cassidy
NARRATOR: Meredith Mitchell
PUBLICATION DATE: February 5, 2008
RUN TIME 10 hours & 14 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Marty Andrews gets bitten by a mangy mutt while walking her teacup poodle, her blond hair darkens, the hair on her legs starts growing at an alarming rate, and her mood swings put her dream job as a sales rep for Bobbie-Sue Cosmetics in serious jeopardy.
Then a drool-worthy man shows up at her door claiming that he accidentally bit Marty. And since he’s a werewolf, she is now, too. Thinking Keegan Flaherty is clearly insane, Marty refuses to believe a word until a kidnapping makes her realize there’s more at stake than just her highlights. And she must put her out-of-control life in the hands of the man who makes her blood run wild in more ways than one

REVIEW:
I have to say that this story started a little slow for me. It seemed to take a long time for Marty & Keegan to get things together. But after it got going I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Marty’s obsession with color wheels and Keegan’s obsession with Marty. The twists and turns on the who done it kept me guess for a while. I was wrong on some parts and right on others. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I listened to this book on audio. Meredith Mitchell did a pretty good job of narrating this. There were a few things that were a little ho hum in her reading. I was not over wilde about all the male voices, some of them were a little to high pitched for my liking (but the one really did fit the character). And the sexy scense were a little blah in the reading, not a whole lot of feeling behind them. But I can understand that, it has to be terrible hard to read a sexy scene out loud.
A couple funny lines from Marty and Keegan:
“Holy Fur and Fury!!” Marty
“That is how Muff nailed me.” Keegan
If you are looking for a fun read I would suggest picking up a copy of this book or head over to audible and listen to the sample.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the audio book from Tantor in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 23, 2016March 20, 2016

Kelly reviews Let It Breathe by Tawna Fenske

TITLE: Let it Breathe
CHARACTERS: Clay Henderson & Reese Clark
AUTHOR: Tawna Fenske
PUBLICATION DATE: March 22, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Forbidden fruit can be downright intoxicating.

Vineyard manager Reese Clark is determined to bring her family’s Oregon winery into the big leagues, and she knows building a new tasting room and event pavilion is her ticket there. Having her ex-husband’s best friend—and her secret college crush—turn up to head the construction project, however, definitely is not. Between her nauseating lovebird parents; her motorcycle-riding, pot-growing grandfather; and her pet alpaca fond of head-butting groins, Reese has more than enough chaotic characters in her life.

Back in college, Clay Henderson was more likely to be sprawled over a bar than building one. But even if the new clean-living Clay has matured as deliciously as an oak-aged chardonnay, he’s still off-limits. As Reese’s well-laid plans for the winery crumble like bad cork, Clay the bad boy–turned–sober gentleman is sweet enough to rescue Reese from a wardrobe malfunction and still spicy enough to play “I Never” with her. Can he overcome his past rep to offer her a love too heady to ignore?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Another great read by Ms. Fenske. I really enjoyed the Let it Breath. I loved Leon. He is just awesome!! Who is Leon you ask? I can’t tell you ;). But you will like him.
I really enjoyed the tension between Clay and Reese. The history that Clay and Reese have is one that is filled with a lot of hurt, booze and unrequited love. I always love a second chance romance story, but Let it Breath is more of a second chance at first love.
I love the way that Ms. Fenske can tell us a story that makes us laugh, cry and want to climb into her story and become a character in her story. I really can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 22, 2016March 20, 2016

#TBT Kimberly reviews Fated By Rebecca Zanetti – Catch up from the beginning!

TITLE: Fated
SERIES: Dark Predator
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
RELEASE DATE: 03/01/2011
Barnes and Noble |Amazon

SYNOPSIS:
Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she’s used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But “whatever it takes” has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem.

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he’s there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he’s had that long to practice. . .

REVIEW:
I won this book from GoodReads.com and started it the day I got it. I enjoy some vampire books but I would not say they are my top choice(no I have never read Twilight) but I have read Larissa Ione and Alexandra Ivy and maybe another here or there but I have to say this book had me immediately. I would certainly say this book matched or came close to Ione and Ivy. At least to their beginning books. This is the 1st of a series by Zanetti.
Cara is a single mom. Both she and her daughter Janie have physic ability. Talen in a vampire who has been in a truce with the Kurjan’s and has known for centuries that Cara is his mate. These vampires are different then the ones we are used to they can do things others we read about can not. The Kurjan’s are hard to imagine for me. The are a species that has not been portrayed on tv/movies so I have a hard time imagining them. Talen is a dominate vamp (but what vamp isn’t?) but he has a heart of gold and I love the sweetness he feels about Cara even if he doesn’t realize it. If you are not into strong men Talen could get on your nerves but I found him wonderful and sexy and you can feel the love that radiates from Cara and Talen even though neither wants to admit it. Cara is a scientist that feels more comfortable around plants then people. I enjoyed Janie and the vamps interaction with her but there is not enough of her, there is too much time with Cara leaving Janie to be “protected”.
I can’t wait to get the next book that just came out. If you like vampires you will like this. It is one heck of a sexy book!

March 21, 2016March 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Far From True by Linwood Barclay

TITLE: Far From True
SERIES #: Promise Falls #2
CHARACTERS: Cal & Barry
AUTHOR: Linwood Barclay
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/22/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Linwood Barclay delivers the second spine-chilling thriller set in the troubled town of Promise Falls, following the electrifying cliffhanger ending of Broken Promise…

After the screen of a run-down drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, the daughter of one of the victims asks private investigator Cal Weaver to look into a recent break-in at her father’s house. Cal discovers a hidden basement room where it’s clear that salacious activities have taken place—as well as evidence of missing DVDs. But his investigation soon becomes more complicated when he realizes it may not be discs the thief was actually interested in….

Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth is still trying to solve two murders—one of which is three years old—he believes are connected, since each featured a similar distinctive wound.

As the lies begin to unravel, Cal is headed straight into the heart of a dark secret as his search uncovers more startling truths about Promise Falls. And when yet another murder happens, Cal and Barry are both driven to pursue their investigations, no matter where they lead. Evil deeds long thought buried are about to haunt the residents of this town—as the sins of the past and present collide with terrifying results.

REVIEW:
3.25 Hearts This is the second in a new series from Barclay and I have to say it wasn’t one of my favorites. There just wasn’t a thrill that Barclay’s books usually have. The weird part is I can’t figure out what is off about this book. It was fast paced, there was a thrill to it (even if not as much as normal) and the story is different than every other thriller but something just doesn’t sit right.

There are a bunch of characters in this book and maybe that was it. Maybe taking the time to remember who was who took some away from the story, I’m not sure. Please don’t get me wrong. The story is good. It is just not up to what I expected from Barclay.

You will enjoy this book but don’t compare all Barclay’s books by this one.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 18, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews Cake by Lauren Dane

TITLE: Cake
CHARACTERS: Gergori Ivanov & Wren Davis
AUTHOR: Lauren Dane
PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Dane comes the latest release from Cosmo Red-Hot Reads from Harlequin.

She won’t be satisfied with just one bite…

Art student-slash-bike messenger Wren Davis pursues what she wants. And what she wants now is Gregori Ivanov, rock star of the Seattle art scene. With his tattoos, piercings and sensual sneer, Gregori is the ultimate bad boy. Wren’s gotten to know the man beneath the body art, too—and it only makes her crave him more.

But Gregori loves women like he loves cake and champagne—intensely, but only for the moment. And after Wren experiences just how scorching sex with Gregori is, she’s determined to show him that just one taste won’t be enough..

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts This was just an okay story for me. I found myself not really liking Gregori. I liked Wren I thought that she was nice and determined. But I didn’t love her. Them together was okay. But I wanted more. There was also part of the story line that I felt was left unresolved.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 17, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews The Shamrock Case by Linda Weaver Clarke

TITLE: The Shamrock Case
SERIES #: Amelia Moore Detective Series #2
CHARACTERS: Amelia Moore & Rick Bonito
AUTHOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PUBLICATION DATE: May 15, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A COZY MYSTERY: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of Rick Bonito, her new partner, her business is flourishing. When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Linda brings us another cute story about Amelia and her grand adventures. It was fun to go on this trip to Ireland with Rick and Amelia. It made me want to go to Ireland and see all the things that they saw.
I loved that Amelia is so willing to go to the ends of the earth to help someone. She really goes above and beyond what a typical detective would do.
Looking forward to the next adventure.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Linda Weaver Clarke & Audible.com in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 16, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler

TITLE: Her Fierce Warrior
SERIES #: X-Ops #4
CHARACTERS: Angelo Rios & Minka Pajari
AUTHOR: Paige Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: March 1, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The woman tensed. As anger and fear ricocheted across her face, her eyes changed from red to green to brown in a dizzying display like nothing he’d ever seen.
Every instinct in Angelo’s body screamed at him to lunge for his weapon. Instead he set his feet for impact, blocking her slashing claws. Unbelievably, after a few moments of struggling, she went still, all the fight gone…
Minka isn’t sure she should trust the sexy Special Forces soldier who found her. Subjected to horrors, on the run from scientists set on locking her in a cage, Minka is terrified of the monster she’s becoming…and somehow, Angelo is the only one who can calm the beast inside her and make her feel safe.
But can she trust the way he makes her feel when she’s not even sure she can trust herself?

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I loved that Minka was so attached to Angelo from the moment they meet. And Angelo just rolled with the punches and did everything that he could to protect her.

I really enjoyed reading Angelo and Minka’s story. Ms. Tyler does a great job of answering a few of the questions that have come up over the last few books. Even as she thickens the overall plot of the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 15, 2016March 13, 2016

Kelly reviews Phoenix Reborn by JD Tyler

TITLE: Phoenix Reborn
SERIES #: Alpha Pack #7.5
CHARACTERS: Phoenix “Nix” Monroe & Noah Brooks
AUTHOR: JD Tyler
PUBLICATION DATE: March 15, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wolf shifter and Firewalker Phoenix “Nix” Monroe has finally met his ultimate Bondmate—Alpha Pack nurse Noah Brooks. Unable to accept his own sexual identity, Nix rejects Noah despite the intense attraction he feels towards him.

By the time Nix realizes he has cast aside the love of his life, it may be too late to save Noah from a terrifying enemy…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I am so happy that Nix & Noah finally go their story. It has been a long time coming. Noah is the bubbly nurse that everyone loves and wants to see happy. Nix is trying to get back to who he was before captured. But in order to be happy Nix is going to have to face a lot of demons from his past and embrace his future with the the mate he never really knew he wanted.
I am enjoyed Nix & Noah’s story a lot. It will be interesting to see how these two grow as the series goes on.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 14, 2016March 13, 2016

Kimberly reviews Red Hot Texas Nights by Kimberly Raye

TITLE: Red Hot Texas Nights
SERIES #: Rebel Moonshine #2
CHARACTERS: Brandy & Tyler
AUTHOR: Kimberly Raye
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/01/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Bestselling author Kimberly Raye’s rousing new series continues. Get ready for squabbling kin, steamy nights, and mouth-watering romance…

LOVE IS ALWAYS INTOXICATING
When it comes to feuds, the Tuckers and the Sawyers do it Texas-style! The legendary moonshiners have been doing battle for more than a century, and they’re nowhere near ready to call a truce. Especially when Brandy Tucker, a self-taught chef, mixes up a brew that rivals the original-only to find the recipe’s gone missing. And the culprit seems to be Tyler McCall, a professional bull rider as hot as the Lone Star sun, despite the Sawyer blood running through his veins.

IN THE LONE-STAR STATE
Brandy is a sweet, sassy distraction Tyler doesn’t need-especially not when he’s preparing for a competition that will either make or break his career. The more Brandy and Tyler cross paths with one another, the less they can can ignore the heat that sizzles between them. Should they give in to their fiery passions-even if they both risk getting burned? All it takes is one kiss to find out…

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is a story of reality versus dreams and which wins. Both Brandy and Tyler have dreams. He dreams of the rodeo circuit and she dreams of a booming business. This series is a modern version of the Hatfields and McCoys.

This is the second in the series and while it can be read alone you will know you are missing something. In the first book the grandfather was killed and the families want the recipe for moonshine. In this story that background story continues.

This story is sweet and enjoyable. Pick up this book and the first in the series as well. You will not regret it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.